Kaess wins stage three while Suess continues dominating women's race

Reigning German Champion Jochen Kaess clinched victory in the third stage of the Trans Germany. The 28-year-old took 3:39:13 to complete the 95.95km race with 2,674 metres of elevation change throughout the course from Bischofsheim a. d. Rhoen to Oberhof. The Multivan Merida Biking member defeated Alban Lakata (Topeak-Ergon Racing) by 1.1 seconds and Bulls pilot Thomas Dietsch by 1.9 seconds. With his third place, Dietsch took over the yellow jersey of the race leader from Hannes Genze (Multivan Merida Biking), who finished sixth in the stage, down by 2:30.

After his first stage victory, Kaess, who was also off the front for awhile during stage 1, was all smiles and pleased with his performance. The Oberstenfeld resident spent most of the day in the lead groups.

"It was my goal to win today. I felt good the whole time and was able to stay in front," said Kaess. "I'm glad that I was able to secure the victory on this hard stage."

Asked if he also hopes for some other good results or a higher placing on the GC, the German Champion said, "Despite the gap I guess everything is possible on the last four stages. At least my legs hurt less after this win. Our team won't give up and will try to place one of us on the podium - if it works on top of it."

A French mountain biker in Yellow

Last year, Dietsch jumped on the top spot of the ranking on the fourth stage; this year, the French National Champion was able to do so one day earlier.

"It was a tough race but we had a very good team tactic with Stefan Sahm in the lead group from the middle of the race onward. When Alban Lakata attacked up to the Dolmar and Hannes Genze could not follow the pace anymore, I knew that I would take over the lead. I was 100 percent sure of it!"

Dethroned leader Genze was understandably not amused with this race result. "For sure I'm disappointed. I was hoping to stay on the ball as from now on I guess I won't have a chance anymore." The 27-year-old said, "I didn't feel so well today. I was able to keep the gap at 30 seconds while pedalling in a group after the Dolmar climb, but in the end I ran out of fuel."

Suess reigns as first lady

On the women's side, Esther Suess celebrated her third stage win with a time of 4:09:59. The Swiss racer from the Wheeler Pro Team however experienced something new on the day's stage. "I was riding a long time with Nina Gaessler and Sally Bigham. That was pretty unusual for me as I normally ride together with the men."

Sally Bigham came in second. The British Topeak-Ergon Racing racer stepped up one spot on the GC to second in the women's classification due to her 4:14:39 finish time. Elisabeth Brandau, who finished in 4:18:59, jumped on the podium in third again. Brandau, of Team Haibike, said, "I felt better than the days before and was able to stay in a group for a while until Lakata passed by again, thus dispersing it. But on the downhills I was able to relax for awhile and noticed that I can bring home a good result."

Grasegger takes third masters' stage win

Truly is the master of the Trans Germany, Johann Grasegger won his third consecutive stage to Oberhof. After 3:58:51 hours in the saddle, the Scott Racing pilot crossed the finish line ahead of Branko Grah who followed about three minutes later (4:02:09.5). Hans Plaenckert from Casa Verde Racing Factory rounded out the podium of the over 40-year-olds - which thus was the same one as yesterday. He was third with a time of 4:18:25.6.

One Czech out on a limb

Milan Spolc again answered the expectations in the Senior Master category. After triumphing on stages 1 and 2, he also brought home victory in Oberhof. The Sachsen Team von Welt member mastered the distance of about 96 kilometres in 4:14:04.7. Rudi Geentjens followed in second, just ahead of Bernhard Spieler from Team race worx.

Stage 4: Oberhof to Bad Steben

The Trans Germany will head back to Bavaria - but not on an easy path. A stage distance of 120 kilometres speaks for itself. In addition, the constant up and downs back to Bavaria will stretch the field to the limit as the racer have to handle what is a typical saw blade profile for the race. Racing will be toughest in the Franconian Forest. In Bad Steben, the "survivors" will celebrate. They will also continue to compete in the King of the Mountains classification.